Peter Woods named a "Top Newcomer" by ESPN

The freshman defensive lineman from Alabama will be a major part of Clemson's defense scheme in 2023.

Clemson has a ton of returning talent on the defensive line, including fifth-year seniors Ruke Orhorhoro, Tyler Davis, and Xavier Thomas. As much experience as those players bring, a historic defensive line haul from the class of 2023 will also make a big impact on the field. According to one site, one of Clemson's freshmen on the defensive front will play a significant role this year.

ESPN named Clemson freshman defensive lineman Peter Woods one of the "Top Newcomers" in college football. The list includes both true freshmen and transfers. Woods was Clemson's lone player on the list.

Woods was one of the biggest pieces of Clemson's recruiting class this past year. In a piece for ESPN.com, recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill was high on Woods's game. "Early on, he'll be in the rotation and see significant snaps," said Luginbill. ESPN had Peter Woods as their No. 1 defensive tackle in their ESPN 300. In his final two seasons at Thomson High School, Woods tallied 47.0 tackles for a loss and 19.0 sacks. He was named the 7A Lineman of the Year in Alabama, following Thompson High's fourth-consecutive state title. Woods was selected for the Under Armour All-America Game. 

Clemson defensive tackles coach Nick Eason spoke on Woods' game this spring. "Peter Woods has the twitchiness, and the power, and the quickness of some dominant NFL defensive linemen that I've been around," said Eason. "I'm not going to crown him the best ever... but the proof is in the pudding. Obviously, he's got to play this year, but I'll say he's got the talent level to obviously be an All-American, one of the best who has ever come through Clemson. In that list of the great defensive lineman, the Michael Dean Perry's, and the Trevor Pryce's, and the Grady Jarrett's, and Dexter Lawrence, the list goes on and on and on. When you think of the great defensive tackles at Clemson, he has the tools to become that. Is he there yet? No. Does he have the tools to become a great defensive lineman and one of the best that's ever come through here? Absolutely."

More Clemson Football News:

• Dabo Swinney comments on Clemson's freshman class prior to fall camp
• Conference Realignment: What Oregon and Washington's jump means for Clemson
• Garrett Riley named one of the "most interesting new coordinators" by ESPN

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